Why sleep gets harder as you get older (and how to adapt)

Learn what to expect from your sleep in every decade ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­

My Sleep Profile My Sleep Profile

You're Telling Me Sleep Actually Changes As We Age? As we get older, we spend less time in deep sleep, experience more nighttime wakeups, and even see our circadian rhythm shift earlier. In fact, studies show that adults over 60 get up to 2 fewer hours of restorative sleep compared to those in their 20s! Just because your sleep changes doesn't mean it has to get worse! You can adapt your sleep habits to meet your body where it is at every stage of life. How to Sleep at Every Age Sleep Quiz Which of the following is a normal part of aging-related sleep changes?   A. Needing more than 10 hours of sleep B. Sleeping through the night without waking C. Earlier sleep-wake timing (going to bed and waking earlier) D. Always feeling fully rested after 6 hours   Scroll to the bottom for the answer!

Products We Love Right Now Luxury Firm WinkBed – $300 Off All Mattresses Great for seniors! Firm and stable without feeling stiff, this mattress offers just the right amount of cushioning and excellent edge support. Nolah Evolution 15​ – 35% Off  Side sleepers and anyone with joint or arthritis pain love this mattress! This plush hybrid cushions key pressure points — especially shoulders and hips — without sacrificing support. Bearaby Cotton Weighted Blanket – 10% Off Stylish and breathable, this open-knit weighted blanket delivers comfort and airflow. Great for relaxation without overheating. Silk & Snow Mattress Topper – 15% Off Plush but not squishy, this topper adds cushion without sacrificing support—one of the most comfortable upgrades we've tested. Hatch Restore 3 This all-in-one sunrise alarm clock mimics natural light, gradually dimming at night and brightening in the morning to support your circadian rhythm. SNOOZ Original Easily controlled via your phone, this white noise machine lets you set schedules, adjust tone and volume, and drift off without distractions. Quick Sleep Tips 📴 Charge your phone outside the bedroom – Even silent notifications can pull you out of deep sleep → Sleep Better Without Screens 🍒 Add tart cherry juice to your evening routine – Naturally rich in melatonin, it may help improve sleep duration → Foods That Help Sleep 🧠 Stop Solving Problems in Bed – Try a "worry window" earlier in the evening to offload thoughts and prevent nighttime overthinking. → Train Your Brain to Wind Down 🌬️ Use a Fan for More Than Just Cooling – A fan not only regulates temperature but also creates soothing white noise that can help you fall asleep faster. → How to Optimize Your Sleep Environment Climate Change Might Be Making Sleep Disorders Worse A recent study has found that when nighttime temperatures rise above 80°F, sleep disturbances (especially sleep apnea events) increase by nearly 50% compared to cooler nights in the 50s. That's not just uncomfortable, it's dangerous! As climate change drives warmer nights, sleep quality is becoming a growing public health concern. This is one more reason why it's so important to get tested for sleep apnea, especially if you snore, wake up gasping, or feel unrested even after a full night in bed. We recommend the Sleep Doctor's at-home sleep study. It's easy, expert-backed, and gives you real answers from the comfort of home. Want to know if you're in a high-risk zone? See the Climate-Sleep Connection Quiz Answer Correct Answer: C. Earlier sleep-wake timing. As we age, our circadian rhythm tends to shift earlier, meaning we feel tired earlier in the evening and may naturally wake up earlier, too. What's Trending in Sleep Right Now? Why You "Wake Up" But Aren't Awake These vivid, often unsettling dream experiences feel real, but your body's still asleep. What is Circadian Rhythm Fasting? Aligning your eating schedule with your body clock may support both digestion and rest. Can You Train Yourself to Wake Without an Alarm? Yes! With consistency, you can teach your body when to wake up naturally. How to Actually Fix a Disrupted Circadian Rhythm Whether it's jet lag or late-night habits, here's how to reset your internal clock.

Sleep Foundation, A Sleep Doctor Company 1414 NE 42nd St 400 Seattle, WA 98105 View in Your Browser | Unsubscribe | Manage Preferences   Sleep Doctor (collectively Sleep Foundation, SleepFoundation.org, SleepApnea.com, and SleepDoctor.com) is not affiliated with the National Sleep Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. Sleep Doctor and its brands provide comprehensive health information to help people cultivate better sleep. Sleep Doctor does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment options.